Winter is the perfect time for an Okoboji Couples get away! Winter is a beautiful and much slower paced time to visit the Iowa Great Lakes while still finding plenty to keep you as busy as you want to be.
Rest & Relax
Winter is a GREAT time to head to Okoboji to relax, refresh and reconnect! For an amazing couples getaway that includes a breakfast you won’t soon forget check out the adults only Oakwood Inn Bed and Breakfast. This property recently was given Select Registry status which is on of the highest honors for independent and boutique properties. Other cozy winter stays with dining on property include: The Inn, which was brand new in 2019; and Bridges Bay Resort where you can dine at The Waterfront Grille. For a traditional hotel and a great night sleep there is: Okoboji Inn and Suites,The Roadway Inn, AmericInn, Ramada, or Super 8.
EAT and Drink
Okoboji has no shortage of amazing places to eat or sip on a cocktail all season long. Looking for a special occasion meal? Try The Waterfront Grille, The Outrigger, or Tweeter’s. For casual dinning while watching your favorite college or pro team play try The Hutt, The Gardens ,The Ritz, Captain’s, Snappers, or Nautical. If its pizza you are craving you MUST check out Pub 19 at Okoboji View golf course, Portside Pizza Pub with a huge selection of craft beer, or the extensive flatbread menu at The Waterfront Grille. Be sure to stop at West O, which also has amazing pizza, and Okoboji Brewing Company, for locally brewed craft beer, come in the afternoon and you may be able to get a brewery tour. If you would rather stay in the cozy quiet of your hotel room you can have Jimmy John’s, Godfather’s, or Pizza Ranch deliver right to your door.
Lake
Why yes you can enjoy the lake on the winter! From ice fishing to ice skating its so fun to walk and play in the water we boat and swim in all summer!
Stop by an area bait shop before you head out on the ice for an afternoon of fishing. The Hook Up and Oak Hilll Outdoor in Milford can offer great tips, sell you any bait and supplies you need, and give helpful advice of locations to avoid to stay safe. All of our area bait shops can give you helpful tips & advice on where to find the hot bite! If you’d like more guidance, it’s well worth the money to hire a fishing guide to take you out for a few hours. Your guide will have all the supplies you need and make sure you have a day to remember!
If you’d like to try ice skating, we’ve got you covered! The Fish House at Okoboji Boat Works in Okoboji rents ice skates and clears an outdoor rink on West Lake Okoboji! When you need to warm up, step inside and enjoy a beverage at their bar, or drop a line – it is the largest winter fish house in Okoboji! Lakes Ice Arena is a great destination for indoor ice skating. The indoor arena is filled with local hockey teams most weekdays, but everyone can get on the ice during open skate on Friday, Saturday & Sunday! Skate rentals are available.
Trails
Winter is a quiet and picturesque time to hit the multi-use trail system that winds its way through the Iowa Great Lakes. With over 40 miles of paved trails there are lots of places to see and explore via fat-tire bikes, snowmobile (designated trails only), snowshoes, cross country skis, or just lace up the boots and take a walk. The “spine” of the system is a 14-mile trail through the heart of the Iowa Great Lakes region, connecting to the spine trail are several other shorter trails to explore including the Kenue Park Trail, Arnolds Park City Trail and the Spirit Lake City Trail. If you are looking for a winter hike off the beaten path check out the nature trail at Kettleson Hogsback Wildlife Area, which has groomed cross country ski trails, The Interpretive Trail at Gull point, or Horseshoe Bend recreation area south of Milford. Brooks Golf Course also offers groomed cross country ski trails from the clubhouse to the Nature Center.
MUSEUMS
Please call ahead for days and hours as the change throughout the season.
History buff or not, winter is the perfect time to visit Okoboji’s many and varied museums. Our local museums can help take you on a trip through time to learn about how this place came to be! Start at the Iowa Great Lakes Maritime Museum located in the year-round Iowa Welcome Center and gift shop. The friendly folks here can help point you in the direction of anything going on in Okoboji! The Maritime Museum itself houses an impressive collection of antique wooden boats, and maritime history.
You will most definitely NOT want to miss the Okoboji Classic Cars Museum, which showcases a rotating inventory of restored classic cars amidst a backdrop of floor to ceiling murals by artist Jack Rees. Even if you are not a classic car lover you will be WOWED by Okoboji Classic Cars! The guided tour they take you on through the building enhances your experience, and makes it fun for all ages!
While not a museum, you should also make time to visit the Indian Motorcycle & Experience Center in Spirit Lake. The Experience Center showcases current and historic Indian motorcycles, displays vintage artifacts and memorabilia, and offers visitors the opportunity to purchase exclusive factory merchandise. Guests are also able to view a short video tour of the manufacturing facility during times when guided tours are unavailable. Visitors are welcome anytime between 8am and 3pm with the exception of holidays.
Indoor Entertainment
If you’re looking for more indoor fun, there is no shortage. Channel your inner artist by strolling through the Pearson Lakes Art Center. While there check out their class listing and work on your own artist skills. Speaking of art you can also paint your own masterpiece at the Kurio Castle Pottery Painting Palace in downtown Spirit Lake. Next, stop at the Dickinson County Nature Center where environmental learning abounds! There is always something to see and do, whether it be visiting an exhibit or playing with the permanent displays. Plus, it’s all free! You can even borrow a set of snowshoes and walk the trails.
The Throwing Post, Okoboji’s hot new attraction, invites you to come throw some axes. Guaranteed to be easier and way more fun than you think it possible!
Catch a movie at Great Lakes Cinema 7, which has multiple screens and a popular selection of the newest movies! The Milford Pioneer Theater has a second theater that boasts all leather recliner seating, highlights the newest movies and has online booking where you can even pick the seat you want. Both have comfortable seating, buttery popcorn, and a wide variety of delicious treats!
Juniper Lanes Bowling Alley in Spirit Lake has been recently renovated, has delicious food, drinks, music and, of course, bowling.
Riddle me That is the perfect place to work on your communication skills as you work together to solve a mystery to ESCAPE from a room full of puzzles and clues! Make your reservations in advance to include this fun (and challenging) stop on your trip.
Shop
No trip to Okoboji is complete without doing some shopping! The stores will be all decked out with winter and maybe a hint of spring housewares, clothing and accessories! Be sure to check out Homeology and Elements right in the center of it all in Arnolds Park. Next head up toward Spirit Lake stopping at West Boutique in Okoboji, on the hill by Okoboji Boat Works, with a great selection of clothing and shoes. The next stop is Mary’s, where you can shop home decor, clothing, a huge selection of kitchenware and gourmet food perfect for entertaining. Next is the Great Lakes Mall where you will you will find The Look, Wild Child, Fashion Formula, Interiors, and Spirit Lake Silver and Gold. If you are more into antique shopping there is no shortage of antique stores in Okoboji. Be sure to check out Antiques Etc., Spirit Lake Antique Mall, (both open March – December) and Timeless Consignments (open year round). The stop no one should miss on a trip to Okoboji is The Three Sons in downtown Milford. This is your spot for official University of Okoboji gear! Proof that you’re working towards your degree in fun!
Day trip
Looking to branch out for a day? Start the day off with a late breakfast at The Hutt (weekend breakfast only) or Toast on Hill and then take off for Round Lake Vineyards in Round Lake in Minnesota. The Vineyard and grounds are beautiful and the wine and food are amazing too. Hop back in the car and head east to the Little Swan Lake Winery where you will find great musical entertainment most weekends. For dinner, make your way back to Okoboji for many great options!
As always if you have any questions or need other recommendations please call us at (712) 332-2209. We would love to help you plan your winter getaway to Okoboji!
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